Agriculture Commons^™

Nourishing Births: A Program Evaluation Proposal For Community-Based Nutrition Education, Food Access, And Garden Engagement Among Black Birthing People, Naa Deedei-Vera Hammond

Master's Projects and Capstones

Black birthing people in the United States continue to experience unequal maternal health outcomes, shaped in part by racism and barriers to nutritious food, culturally relevant health education, and supportive community spaces. While prenatal nutrition education and food assistance programs can provide important resources, information alone cannot address the challenges many people face when trying to access healthy and affordable food during pregnancy. The Nourishing Births Initiative is a proposed community-based maternal health program designed to respond to these needs by bringing together prenatal nutrition education, help connecting to food resources, community gardening, and peer support for Black birthing people …

Aginnovation South: Strategic Roadmap Initiatives (2020-2026), Gary A. Thompson

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

This report documents the major organizational initiatives undertaken by agInnovation South between 2020 and 2026. Rather than serving as a chronology of meetings or annual activities, it highlights the initiatives, partnerships, and collaborative efforts that strengthened the association and expanded regional research capacity across the Southern Land-grant system. Many began as conversations among the membership, matured through strategic planning and engagement, and ultimately resulted in partnerships, multistate projects, professional networks, organizational resources, and new opportunities for collaboration. The report is intended to preserve institutional knowledge while providing context for future leaders and members as they build upon these efforts.

Cropland Change And Prime Farmland In Calloway County, Kentucky, 2015–2025: A Gis Analysis Of Corn And Soybean Fields, Shiba Hari Dhakal Shiba

Scholars Week

Understanding where cropland change occurs relative to soil quality helps indicate whether farmland is being used on the most productive land. This study used GIS-based change detection analysis to evaluate changes in corn and soybean fields in Calloway County, Kentucky, between 2015 and 2025 and to test whether new corn and soybean fields were located on prime farmland. USDA Cropland Data Layer maps for 2015 and 2025 (30 m resolution) were reclassified into seven classes and compared in ArcGIS Pro, and the results were overlaid on USDA NRCS gSSURGO farmland classification. Combined corn and soybean area declined about 19% from …

Part Ii: Sustainable Irrigation Practices For Cut Flowers, Chloe Seeborg, Melanie Stock, Burdette Barker, Alex Rodriguez, Jonathan D. Meyer

All Current Publications

Sustainable irrigation uses crop and environmental information to guide the frequency (how often) and amount (how much) of water to apply. Without this balance, poor irrigation practices can result, causing crop stress from too little or too much water, nutrient loss and contamination, or wasted water that drains below the root zone. This fact sheet covers the basics of soil water storage, crop water demand, considerations for designating irrigation zones, using free weather stations, and water conservation strategies for gardens and small farms, with a focus on cut flowers.

Alternative Weed Control Options For Transplanted Onions In Minnesota, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A major challenge in onion production is weed control. In an effort to reduce pesticide use in bare-ground transplanted onions, we tested combinations of herbicides, flame weeding, and compost application at transplant. The municipal compost used at 2-inch depth reduced onion survival without reducing weed biomass at the end of the season. A single flame weeding pass mid-season did not reduce onion survival but did reduce total weed biomass in some treatments. Mid-season flame weeding may be a useful tool in combination with fewer herbicide applications or in multiple-flame-pass scenarios for transplanted onions.

Impacts Of Leonardite And Gibberellic Acid On Plant Stand And Ear Height In Early-Season Sweet Corn, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Sweet corn planted early in the season can suffer from poor germination due to low soil temperatures. In addition, low ear height of early-season hybrids can make hand- or machine-harvest more challenging. We tested impacts of two in-furrow leonardite treatments on germination and ear height, and a single application of a commercial gibberellic acid product (Proliant) on ear height. Sweet corn was planted on 5 May in southern Minnesota. We tested 14 sweet corn hybrids, including sugary-enhanced, synergistic, and supersweet. We found no impact of leonardite or Proliant on sweet corn stand or ear height. Three hybrids (‘Sprinter XR’, ‘Kickoff …

Horticultural Diplomacy: A Framework For Growing Culturally Aware Gardeners, Stephen Stresow-Cortez, Stephen Reiners, Ashley Miller Helmholdt

Journal of Extension

Derived from person-to-person diplomacy models, a ``horticultural diplomacy'' framework was implemented in a statewide vegetable variety trial program for two seasons to introduce Master Gardeners to diverse crops and cultures. Scaffolding learning with relevant recipes, bed groupings, community tasting events, and collecting community (citizen) science data helped participants build garden skills, gain a greater appreciation for other cultures, and inform new educational materials. Horticultural diplomacy is part of a deliberate effort aimed at growing food and building understanding among (primarily White) volunteers. The techniques that helped make this program successful, adaptable to other garden programs, and aspects that require improvements …

Growing South Dakota (Fall 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food And, Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Support from donors helping set SDSU dairy graduates above the rest
[Page] 4 A decade of impact: Celebrating 10 years of cow-calf, swine education and research facilitates
[Page] 8 98-year-old donor keeps decades-long scholarship going in honor of late husband
[Page] 11 Looking back at Michele Dudash's tenure in academia
[Page] 12Giving students opportunities, experience to build their futures
[Page] 16 A Jackrabbit's journey in growing agricultural leadership
[Page] 18 Building South Dakota's next generation of rural veterinarians
[Page] 19 Conservation: A family affair
[Page] 20 South Dakota Water Resources Institute finds solutions to South Dakota's water challenges …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme: 2026-29 Strategic Plan, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Industry Funding Schemes (IFS) are a powerful effort fuelled by industry support and steered by industry stakeholders. The Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS addresses pest and disease threats that pose a high risk to profitability or production into the grains, seed and hay industry in Western Australia.

The Grains, Seed and Hay IFS is managed by an Industry Management Committee, composed of dedicated producers and growers. As a crucial link between industry and government, our IFS collaborates closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) who manage the BAM regulation list and deliver impactful programs.

Organic Cherry Pest Management, Marion Murray, Ann Mull

All Current Publications

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) and sweet cherry (P. avium) are important commercial crops and popular backyard trees. Tart cherries are commonly processed into dried or canned products, while sweet cherries are generally eaten fresh. Organic cherry production in the Intermountain West can be challenging because of pests such as western cherry fruit fly and arid growing conditions. However, with careful planning and appropriate management practices, it is possible to produce a good crop using organic pest management strategies. This fact sheet outlines general, pest, and disease management options.

High Tunnel Pollinators, Miranda L. Jones, Sheriden Hansen, Kelsey Graham, Robert Nelson Schaeffer, Brent Black

All Current Publications

High tunnels are used to extend the growing season. Unlike greenhouses, high tunnels are semi-permanent and not heated or cooled by a climate-control system. Instead, they use plastic sheeting to trap solar heat, allowing for season extension in temperate climates around spring and fall. Bee pollination can improve yields for several valuable crop species grown in high tunnels. Because high tunnels are largely enclosed, bees are typically released and managed within the structure. This fact sheet provides information on how to obtain and manage bee pollinators in high tunnels.

Gender-Responsive Knowledge Management Strategies For Vegetable Farmers Of Atok, Benguet , Philippines, Marianne R. De Luna, Farawyn E. Sarmiento

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Knowledge transfer in Philippine vegetable production often follows centralized pathways that neglect gendered roles, perpetuating productivity gaps. This study evaluated gender-responsive knowledge management pathways and technology adoption among smallholder vegetable farmers in Atok, Benguet, Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach combining household surveys (n = 85), Social Network Analysis (SNA), vignettes, and key informant interviews, data were disaggregated by sex to map institutional disparities. Results showed that while women farmers demonstrate higher college completion rates (29%), men farmers cultivate larger average plots (0.57 vs. 0.37 ha), have higher off-farm income, and enjoy greater irrigation access (70.69% vs. 59.26%). Additionally, women derive …

Spatial Dependence Of Technical Efficiency Of Rice Farms In Camagong San Vicente Farmers Irrigators Association Inc., Cabusao, Camarines Sur, Philippines, Anthony James C. Albis, Julieta A. Delos Reyes, Antonio Jesus A. Quilloy, Jaine C. Reyes, Valerien O. Pede

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study assessed the technical efficiency of rice farms and examined how neighboring farms influence productivity among members of the Camagong San Vicente Farmers Irrigators’ Association Inc. in Cabusao, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Employing Stochastic frontier analysis and spatial econometric models, the research identified key determinants of productivity and technical efficiency. Moran’s Index and visual geospatial analysis revealed significant clustering of technical efficiency, confirming spatial dependence among farm locations. The spatial lag model was selected after robust diagnostic tests, including Lagrange multiplier tests, to capture the influence of neighboring farms on individual efficiency levels. Results indicate substantial variability in technical efficiency …

Physical Soil Health Indicators In Paired Certified Organic And Conventional Farms: A Multi-Case Study In The Philippines, Victorino A. Bato, Gina Villegas Pangga

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

There is a common perception that organic products and practices are good for the health of consumers, plants, the environment, and particularly the soil. In the Philippines, organic agriculture was enacted into law (i.e., Republic Act No. 10068) in order to encourage farmers to shift to organic farming and reap its benefits, including better soil health through improved soil physical properties. This study compared certain soil physical properties of certified organic farms in the Philippines with those of a conventional cropping system. Results showed significantly higher soil aggregate stability (high values of percent water-stable aggregates and mean weight diameter, both …

Bathurst Burr And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Bathurst burr (Xanthium spinosum) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant, requirements land owners/occupiers must adhere to, control methods, and how to search, detect, and report it.

Bathurst burr is a summer growing annual shrubby plant originating in South America. In south west Australia, some mature plants survive well into winter, with the result that burrs may be found for most of the year. The weed spreads entirely by burrs, which are usually carried by people or animals, attached to clothes, fur, or other fibre by their hooked spines. They may …

Noogoora Burr And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Noogoora burr, also known as cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements that land owners/occupiers must adhere to and control methods.

Native to western United States of America. Locally abundant in parts of the Kimberley, especially near water courses. Occasionally found in the South West region of WA.

Dry After-Ripening Increases Germination Of Critically Imperilled Physaria Thamnophila (Zapata Bladderpod), Christopher A. Gabler, Jerald T. Garrett

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Effective endangered plant conservation and recovery require empirical knowledge of seed dormancy release and responses to post-collection handling, yet such information is lacking for many rare taxa. Physaria thamnophila (Zapata bladderpod; Brassicaceae), a critically imperilled (G1) species endemic to southern Texas, USA, is poorly studied, and basic questions regarding seed storage and germination remain unresolved. We evaluated the effects of short-term cool-storage duration (14–180 d), storage temperature (refrigeration vs. freezing), dry after-ripening and maternal plant identity on germination probability and timing in P. thamnophila. Dry after-ripening and increased cool-storage duration consistently increased germination and shortened germination time, whereas storage temperature …

Evaluating The Responses Of Organic Corn Systems To Interseeded Cover Crops, Seeding Rate, And Tillage, Luvina B. Madrid

All Dissertations

Cover crop interseeding offers a potential strategy to increase plant diversity and make better use of above- and belowground resource niches within organic corn production systems. Interseeded cover crops can support agroecosystem sustainability through aboveground biomass production as well as belowground processes mediated by roots, including soil structural improvement, nutrient cycling, biological activity, and carbon storage. However, the success of interseeding depends on selecting cover crop species and management practices that provide these benefits without competing with the crop for water, nutrients, and light. Research studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of interseeded cover crop species, seeding rate, and …

B.R. Wells Arkansas Rice Research Studies 2025, J. Hardke, X. Sha, N. Bateman

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Arkansas is the leading rice producer in the United States. The state represents 45.2% of total U.S. rice production and 45.7% of the total acres planted to rice in 2025. Rice cultural practices vary across the state and across the U.S. However, these practices are also dynamic and continue to evolve in response to changing political, environmental, and economic times. This survey was initiated in 2002 to monitor and record changes in the way Arkansas rice producers approach their livelihood. The survey was conducted by polling county extension agents in each of the counties in Arkansas that produce rice. Questions …

Towards Improved Stress Resilience, Optimal Growth And Enhanced Biosafety In Transgenic Plants, Xiaotong Chen

All Dissertations

This dissertation investigates biotechnology strategies to improve plant stress resilience, growth, and biosafety in transgenic perennial grasses using creeping bentgrass as a model system. Functional analyses of non-coding RNAs such as miR164 and miR169 showed that regulatory non-coding RNAs influence plant architecture and abiotic stress responses through broad developmental and transcriptional networks, supporting them as valuable engineering targets for complex trait improvement. The dissertation also developed a dual recombinase platform for transgene containment and removal, linking trait engineering with biosafety control. Additionally, the recombinases themselves were examined for their potential impact on heterologous host and were found to reshape plant …

Optimizing Urban Forestry Through Green Infrastructure: Tree Health And Water Retention In Ciudad Juarez Rain Gardens, Tomas Rogelio Lizarraga Ruiz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Urban green spaces (UGS) in arid regions face significant challenges due to water scarcity and extreme thermal demand. This study evaluates the efficacy of Nature Based Solutions (NBS), rain gardens and median strips, in enhancing the physiological resilience of urban trees in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Using a comparative framework, the research monitored a native evergreen (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) and an introduced deciduous species (Morus sp.) across six planting treatments. Statistical analysis reveals that green infrastructure (GI) acts as a critical physiological accelerant. Trees situated within rain gardens and medians significantly outperformed those in restricted pot and sidewalk settings, maintaining higher stomatal …

Summaries Of Arkansas Cotton Research 2025, Fred M. Bourland

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Planted cotton acreage in Arkansas decreased in 2025 to 520,000 acres compared to 650,000 planted acres in 2024. Arkansas producers harvested 515,000 acres, which was a decrease of 125,000 acres from the 640,000 acres harvested in 2024 (https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=Arkansas&year=2025). The 515,000 harvested acres ranked Arkansas third nationally, trailing only Texas and Georgia in harvested acres (https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/release-files/795725/cropan26.pdf). The average cotton yield, as reported by the USDA, was 1,239 lb lint/ac, which ranked fourth nationally, behind California, Louisiana, and Arizona. Arkansas farmers produced an estimated 1.329 million bales, which is a decrease from 1.788 million bales produced in 2024. This production still ranks …

Land Condition Standards For The Western Australian Nullarbor Pastoral Region, Peter-Jon A. Waddell, Wayne J. Fletcher

Natural resources published reports

This report outlines the quantitative land condition standards that define acceptable pastoral land condition for the Western Australian part of the Nullarbor, to meet the regulatory requirements of the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is developing regional-level pastoral land condition standards for Western Australia as a critical component of the Framework for sustainable pastoral management – revised edition (Fletcher 2022), the purpose of which is to address the Office of the Auditor General’s recommendations to improve the management of pastoral lands in WA …

Bridging The Gap In Science Research: Preparing Students For College- Level Research In The Sciences, Victoria Helwig, Yaoguang Li

UConn Library Presentations

Many first-year students enter college unprepared to fully engage with scientific literature and academic library resources. Drawing on experiences from academic librarians working with STEM students, this session explores common gaps in science research skills, including navigating databases, identifying scholarly sources, and understanding the structure of scientific literature. Participants will be introduced to practical strategies and classroom-ready activities to better prepare students for college-level research. Discussion questions: What science research skills do students struggle with most when entering college? How can high school instruction better support these skills? Where can librarians and educators collaborate to support student success?

Towards 2035: Future Forms And Strategic Path Of Chinese Agriculture, Liu Tao, Zeyu Yang, Zhaohui Dong

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Agricultural modernization is an integral component of the national modernization. Toward 2035, China’s agricultural system confronts multiple challenges, including increasing resource and environmental pressures, rapid upgrading of residents’ consumption structure, and in-depth adjustments in the international supply chain pattern. Meanwhile, it also embraces a series of opportunities brought by transformations in agricultural production technologies and models driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and engineering technology. Based on the perspective of national medium and long-term development strategy, this study sorts out the internal constraints, external opportunities, and development drivers faced by China’s agriculture. It explores six major strategic trends—ecological, intelligent, customized, facility-based, …

2025 Soybean Invertebrate Losses In The United States, Fred R. Musser, Sebe A. Brown, Tim Bryant, Whitney D. Crow, Jeffrey A. Davis, Christina Difonzo, Ashleigh M. Faris, Chase Floyd, Scott H. Graham, Jeremy K. Greene, Kelly A. Hamby, David Kerns, Janet Knodel, David Owens, Dominic D. Reisig, Phillip M. Roberts, Nicholas J. Seiter, Adam J. Sisson, Benjamin C. Thrash, Kelley J. Tilmon, Adam J. Varenhorst

Midsouth Entomologist

Estimated management costs and losses due to insects and other invertebrates in soybeans during the 2025 growing season were collected and compiled from 20 states to provide a record of insect pressure and management practices for the year. These annual estimates provide a historical record of pest pressure and insect management and have been compiled in some states since 2004. Participating states accounted for 68% of soybean acreage in the United States, with near 100% participation in the southern states. As has been true in previous years, the stink bug complex was the costliest insect pest in soybean followed by …

Nitrogen Management Strategies For Specialty Tea Production In Louisiana: Rate, Source Type, And Nutrient Dynamics, Autumn D. Hilderbrand

LSU Master's Theses

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is an emerging specialty crop in Louisiana and the southeastern United States; however, region-specific nitrogen (N) management recommendations remain limited. This research evaluated N fertilizer source, application rate, and nutrient leaching to identify management strategies that improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and environmental sustainability during tea establishment.

Three complementary studies evaluated N source replacement, application rate, and fertilizer source effects on nutrient retention and movement. The first study evaluated the replacement of urea ammonium sulfate (UAS) with blood meal (BM) while maintaining a constant annual N application rate. Fertilizer replacement did not significantly affect leaf …

Tips For Growing Garden Vegetables In Utah: Soil Preparation, Gastone Makalaya, Josh Martin, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

To help Utah gardeners maintain healthy soils and enhance early vegetable production, this fact sheet provides practical guidance and tips on soil preparation for vegetable gardening.

Tips For Growing Garden Vegetables In Utah: Soil Fertilization, Gastone Makalaya, Josh Martin, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

A successful vegetable garden requires precise nutrient management to achieve maximum yields. Fertilization must provide adequate nutrients to support plant growth throughout the season. Fertilizer applications should be based on soil test recommendations and crop nutrient requirements. This fact sheet provides Utah gardeners with practical guidance and tips on soil fertilization for vegetable gardening.

Stephen Baenziger, Unl Agronomy & Horticulture, Breeding New Wheat Varieties, Mark Griep, P. Stephen Baenziger

UNL ORCA Interview Series

Stephen Baenziger awarded the ORCA in 2011. He was born in 1951 in Toronto, Canada. When he was an infant, his family immigrated to the U.S., where he grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois. He earned a bachelor's in biological chemistry magna cum laude from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Next, he earned a master's and doctorate in plant breeding and genetics at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Over the next decade, he worked for the USDA at Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland and then at the Monsanto Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1986, he joined the …